Colonel Muammar Gaddafi has agreed to a peace plan proposed by the African Union aimed at ending the conflict in Libya.
A communique was announced after a five-strong AU delegation led by South African president Jacob Zuma held talks with representatives of the regime in Tripoli.
The plan is due to be presented to rebel leadership in Benghazi today, although the South African leader will not be travelling with other delegates to the stronghold.
Four key points are outlined in the communique, including an "immediate cessation of all hostilities" and a "transitional period towards reform".
The other main strands of the plan are "the facilitation of diligent delivery of humanitarian aid" and "the protection of foreign nationals".
also outlined an agreement for the "deployment of an effective monitroing mechanism for ceasfire", but it was not clear whether this would involve African Union troops.
The AU's commissioner for peace and security, Ramtane Lamamra was asked whether the question of Gaddafi's leadership was raised at the talks.
"We agreed that the future leadership of the country should be left up to the Libyan people," he said.
"It is not up to outside forces."
Mr Zuma pronounced himself "optimistic" a deal could be agreed, although Mr Lamamra admitted the plan would not solve all the problems involved in the conflict.
The leaders of the uprising have so far rejected any ceasefire plan that involves leaving either Col Gaddafi or his sons in power.
Sky News' Stuart Ramsay, in Tripoli, said: "(Mr Zuma) obviously feels they've got something they can deliver to Benghazi.
"I think at this stage, a ceasefire is the best they can hope for.
"The problem I think is that if this transition period and any discussion about reforms includes Colonel Gaddafi and any member of his family being in charge... then the rebels, if they are true to their word so far, would say that that's not good enough."
News of the potential breakthrough came as Nato said coalition airstrikes had taken out at least 26 regime tanks near Misrata and Ajdabiya.
The leaders of the uprising have so far rejected any ceasefire plan that involves leaving either Col Gaddafi or his sons in power.
Sky News' Stuart Ramsay, in Tripoli, said: "(Mr Zuma) obviously feels they've got something they can deliver to Benghazi.
"I think at this stage, a ceasefire is the best they can hope for.
"The problem I think is that if this transition period and any discussion about reforms includes Colonel Gaddafi and any member of his family being in charge... then the rebels, if they are true to their word so far, would say that that's not good enough."
News of the potential breakthrough came as Nato said coalition airstrikes had taken out at least 26 regime tanks near Misrata and Ajdabiya.
From Sky News
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